Leaf collector

ABSTRACT

A device for collecting and gathering loose material such as grain, rocks, leaves, grass clippings, and the like. The device includes a substantially flat sheet. The sheet may be of various shapes. The device also includes one or more obstructing members that extend outward from a top surface of the sheet. The obstructing members are sized and shaped such that, when the sheet is rolled in a manner circumscribing the obstructing members, the obstructing members cooperate to obstruct or block one end of a container formed by the sheet. A user may gather material onto the sheet in a planar configuration and then roll the sheet to form a temporary container with the material kept inside by the sheet and the obstructing members. The rolled sheet and obstructing members cooperate to form a temporary container for transporting loose material.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) application that claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/378,723,filed May 8, 2002, for “Leaf Collector,” with inventor Melvin W.Yardley.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of devices forcollecting loose material. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a leaf collector for gathering and disposing of leaves andother loose material.

2. Description of Related Background Art

Most people are familiar with the chore of gathering leaves or grassclippings from around the yard. Generally, the leaves, grass clippings,twigs, garbage, and other loose material (hereinafter “loose material”)are collected into piles, which are then placed into garbage containersor disposable plastic bags. Getting the loose material from a pile andinto a garbage container can be the most difficult step in the process.

Conventionally, a user repeatedly lifts part of the loose material,either by hand or using a combination of a hand and a rake or shovel,and places the loose material in the garbage container. This repeatedmovement is undesirable, as it may cause stress and strain on the user.Furthermore, this procedure may be messy and inconvenient if the loosematerial is wet. In addition, wind may scatter the loose material out ofthe pile such that the user must return to rebuilding the pile. Whilethe task of moving the loose material from the pile to the garbagecontainer is challenging, the task is easier with two or more workers.Nevertheless, a single user typically does the job.

Generally, the loose material, such as leaves and clippings, is gatheredand collected for disposal. Those of skill in the art, however, willrecognize that the same problems described above exist regardless of thenature of the loose material. For example, material such as grain, sand,small rocks, or the like may be gathered in bags or containers forpurposes other than disposal. Numerous devices have been provided tofacilitate moving a collection of loose material into a container fordisposal or otherwise.

One solution provides a flat sheet. The loose material is gathered in apile on the sheet. Then, the sheet is rolled or folded to form acylinder or other generally prism shape having two open ends. The loosematerial is gathered within the prism shape. Next, the prism-shapedsheet is lifted and tipped to dump the loose material out one end of thecylinder.

Unfortunately, the prism-shaped sheet includes two open ends. The loosematerial tends to fall out one end or the other when the prism-shapedsheet is transported and/or dumped. Other devices, such as netting, maybe formed into a temporary “bag” by gathering each corner together toenclose the loose material inside such that no loose material is lost.Such a “bag,” however, proves difficult in practice to empty into atypical garbage container.

Another solution includes walls configured to seal one open end when thesheet is formed into a prism shape. These devices, however, generally donot lie completely flat. The walls may impede gathering of the loosematerial onto the sheet. For example, a user may be required to rake orsweep loose material onto the sheet in a single direction, much like adustpan. Other devices lie substantially flat, but with such devices,the loose material often gets blown or raked across the sheet instead ofcollecting into a pile as is generally desired.

While some of the problems with conventional devices may be resolved byusing two workers, none of the conventional devices provides aneffective, simple, lightweight, inexpensive tool to assist someoneperforming the chore alone. Accordingly, what is needed is a device thatovercomes the problems and disadvantages of the prior art. Inparticular, the device should lie flat for collection of loose materialonto the device and include an obstructing member that assists inpreventing the loose material from being raked across the device. Thedevice should be transformable into a cylinder or other temporaryprism-shaped container that retains the loose material inside and closesone end of the container for effective transport of the loose materialto a desired location. The device should be capable of being locked inthe temporary container configuration. Furthermore, the device should belightweight, sturdy, durable, simple, and inexpensive. The presentinvention provides these advancements in a novel and useful way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The various elements of the present invention have been developed inresponse to the present state of the art, and in particular, in responseto the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solvedby currently available devices. Accordingly, the present inventionprovides an improved device for collecting and gathering loose material.

In one embodiment, the device includes a pliable, substantially planarsheet. The sheet is substantially thin and made from a resilient,elastic material such as plastic or metal. Preferably, the sheet isformed to maintain a planar configuration. The planar configuration is afirst position wherein the planar sheet lies substantially flat. If thesheet is rolled or bent, the sheet is biased to return to the planarconfiguration.

The device includes one or more obstructing members that extend out fromthe surface of the sheet. The obstructing members may be positioned nearone edge of the sheet. The planar sheet is easily transitionable betweenthe first position wherein the planar sheet lies substantially flat to asecond position wherein the planar sheet forms a container.

The obstructing members cooperate to partially obstruct an opening ofthe container formed when the sheet is rolled such that the sheetsubstantially circumscribes the obstructing member. The obstructingmembers may be configured to partially or completely obstruct theopening. The obstructing members may be of almost any shape.

The obstructing members may be connected to an edge of the sheet, formedfrom the same material as the sheet, or removably connected to thesheet. Preferably, the obstructing members are substantially alignedalong one edge of the sheet such as the back edge. The obstructingmembers may extend vertically from a surface of the sheet.Alternatively, the obstructing members may extend from the surface atabout any angle.

In one embodiment, the obstructing members are configured and positionedsuch that as the sheet is rolled to bring one side in close proximity toan opposite side, the obstructing members are juxtaposed tosubstantially close an opening defined by the rolled sheet. For example,the obstructing members may be triangular shaped with a height aboutequal to the radius of a circular opening defined by the rolled sheet.The exposed sides of each triangular obstructing member may abut aneighboring obstructing member to close the opening. Alternatively, thetips of triangular obstructing members may be removed (forming bluntedtriangular shapes) such that when the sheet is rolled, the obstructingmembers leave a polygon-shaped opening which is much smaller than anopening defined by the sheet alone.

In another aspect, the obstructing members include a tongue on oneexposed side and a groove on another exposed side. The tongue and grooveare configured such that as the sheet is rolled, the tongue of oneobstructing member engages the groove of a neighboring obstructingmember to effectively seal the opening of the rolled sheet.Alternatively, the obstructing members may be positioned in anoverlapping fashion such that when the sheet is rolled, one obstructingmember overlaps about half the surface area of a neighboring obstructingmember to seal the opening.

In certain embodiments, a single obstructing member may be configured tooperably obstruct the opening. For example, a circular obstructingmember may be connected to the sheet near a back edge. The circularobstructing member may operably prevent passage of loose materialthrough a circular opening defined by the back edge when the sheet isrolled to circumscribe the circular obstructing member. In certainembodiments, an obstructing member may engage a groove formed in thesheet to form an effective seal that prevents passage of loose materialwithin the rolled sheet through the opening.

For convenience, the device may include one or more handles connected toor formed within the sheet. The handles may be positioned along a sideadjacent to a side of the sheet that includes the obstructing members.In addition, one or more fasteners may be connected to, or formedwithin, sides adjacent to the side of the sheet which includes theobstructing members. The fasteners allow a user to hold two sides of thesheet in close proximity when the sheet is in a rolled configuration.

In one embodiment, each side may include a hook that engages acorresponding handle formed in the opposite side. Alternatively, eachside may include a corresponding member of a fastener assembly. Forexample, one side may include a hook material strap, and the oppositeside may include a loop material strip such as corresponding componentsof a VELCRO™ assembly. Alternatively, corresponding members of snaps,hooks, buckles, clip retainers, tie straps, and the like may serve asfasteners. One example of a buckle includes a life-preserver buckle. Incertain aspects, the sheet includes an array of holes sized to allow airto escape from inside a rolled sheet but prevent escape of the loosematerial.

Preferably, the components of the device are made from durable,lightweight materials such as metal, plastic, or the like. In oneembodiment, the sheet is a thin piece of pliable rigid plastic. Thefasteners, handles, and obstructing members may be made of variousmaterials.

The components may be of various shapes while still serving theirfunction. For example, the sheet may be polygonal, circular, oval, orthe like. Preferably, the sheet is rectangular or square. Similarly, theobstructing members may be polygonal, circular, oval, or the like. Inone embodiment, the obstructing members are triangular shaped.

The components of the device may be sized to allow a single user toeasily handle the device. Of course, the device may also be sized togather a larger volume of loose material and/or be used by a pair ofusers. The size and shape of the sheet determine the size and shape ofthe rolled sheet when in a temporary prism-shaped containerconfiguration. Preferably, the sheet is about forty-eight inches square,and the obstructing members are equilateral triangles with a width ofabout three inches wide and a height of about seven inches.

Thus, a durable, lightweight, collapsible device for collection of loosematerial for tasks such as yard work is provided. The device may beeasily assembled, and in certain embodiments, no assembly is required.In addition, a single person can easily lay the sheet on the ground,gather the loose material onto the surface of the sheet, roll the sheetsuch that the obstructing members partially obstruct one end of therolled sheet, and transport the loose material within the sheet to acontainer. Using the device, a single person may easily collect,transport, and dump loose material without assistance and with minimalstress from repeated bending and lifting. These and other features andadvantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-exhaustive embodiments of the invention are described with referenceto the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leaf collectordevice of the present invention in a substantially flat position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leaf collectordevice arranged in a temporary prism-shaped container configuration;

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an obstructed end of one embodimentof the device;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of neighboring obstructingmembers;

FIG. 5A is an end view of another embodiment of obstructing members;

FIG. 5B is a plan view of the obstructing members of FIG. 5A arranged toenclose an opening;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment includingremovable obstructing members;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment including asingle obstructing member;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment including asingle obstructing member;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment includingobstructing members; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment includingvarious alternative features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention solves the foregoing problems and disadvantageswith a sturdy planar sheet having obstructing members for retainingloose material within the sheet when the sheet is in a temporaryprism-shaped container configuration.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearancesof the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of materials, fasteners, sizes, lengths, widths, shapes, etc.,to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, there is shown a device 10for collecting loose material 12. The device 10 assists in gathering theloose material 12 into a pile. In addition, the device 10 is deformableinto a temporary container. As a temporary container, the device 10allows the loose material 12 to be transported and dumped, for example,in a garbage container. Preferably, the device 10 is made to be storedand used initially in a planar configuration, as illustrated.

The device 10 includes a planar sheet 14 that forms the body of thedevice 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet 14 includes a topsurface 16 and a bottom surface 18 In the planar configuration of FIG.1, the sheet 14 serves as a base for collecting the loose material 12into a pile on the top surface 16.

The sheet 14 also includes a front edge 20 opposite a back edge 22.Preferably, the sheet 14 is a thin piece of material, and the front edge20 and back edge 22 are straight. Alternatively, the front edge 20 andback edge 22 may be contoured.

The device 10 also includes one or more obstructing members 24 thatextend out from the top surface 16 of the sheet 14. Preferably, thesheet 14 includes a plurality of obstructing members 24. Alternatively,the sheet 14 may include a single obstructing member 24.

With the sheet 14 in a planar configuration, the obstructing members 24are sized and positioned to minimally impede a user's efforts to collectthe loose material 12 onto the top surface 16. In the illustratedembodiment, a user may rake or sweep loose material 12 onto the sheetacross three sides. In addition, the user may rake loose material 12over the obstructing members 24.

Preferably, the obstructing members 24 extend substantially at a rightangle from the top surface 16. Alternatively, the obstructing members 24may extend at almost any angle from the top surface 16. The obstructingmembers 24 may be located along or near the back edge 22. Alternatively,the obstructing members 24 may be positioned along any edge of the sheet14. The obstructing members 24 may be formed from the same material asthe sheet 14. For example, the obstructing members 24 may be integratedwith the back edge 22. Alternatively, the obstructing members 24 maycomprise a separate component that is connected to the sheet 14. In oneembodiment, the obstructing members 24 are removably connected to thesheet 14.

The shape and structure of the obstructing members 24 may vary. In oneexample, the obstructing members 24 described herein are configured astabs that extend from the top surface 16. Of course, the one or moreobstructing members 24 may also be characterized as fingers, strips, awall, a stop, or the like and still serve the intended purpose ofobstructing members 24 in the present invention. In the illustratedembodiment, the obstructing members 24 are triangular shaped.Specifically, the obstructing members 24 may be triangular shaped. Inone embodiment, the obstructing members 24 are formed as isoscelestriangles in which two sides of equal length are not connected to thesheet 14, while the other side which may be of a different length isattached.

In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 includes one or morehandles 26. The handles 26 facilitate rolling the sheet 14 from an openplanar configuration into a temporary container configuration, discussedin detail below. The handles 26 also provide for convenience in lifting,transporting, and dumping the sheet 14 in a rolled configuration.Preferably, the handles 26 are formed integral to the sheet and extendfrom a side in the same plane as the sheet 14. The handles 26 may bepositioned along a side 28 of the sheet adjacent to the back edge 22.Alternatively, the handles 26 may be positioned on opposite sides 28, 30(also referred to herein as side edges 28, 30) of the sheet 14.

Referring now to FIG. 2 and generally to FIG. 1, preferably, the sheet14 is configured to maintain a first position in which the sheet liessubstantially flat (See FIG. 1). This first position is the planarconfiguration. When necessary, the sheet 14 may be readily transitionedto a second position to form a container 32 (See FIG. 2). Preferably, informing the container 32, the planar sheet substantially circumscribesthe obstructing member(s) 24 to at least partially obstruct one end ofthe container 32.

The present invention also provides a method of using the device 10. Inone embodiment, the device 10 is originally in a planar configuration asin FIG. 1. A user lays the device 10 on a surface, such as a lawn, withthe top surface 16 facing up. Next, the user gathers loose material 12into a pile on top of the sheet 14. The loose material 12 may begathered by raking, sweeping, or the like.

Referring still to FIG. 2, once a pile is made, the user rolls one side28 towards the other side 30 such that the edges of the sides 28, 30come in close proximity. A temporary fastener 34 may hold the sides 28,30 together. For example, the fastener 34 may be a hook that engages acorresponding handle 26.

By rolling the sides 28, 30, the user transforms the device 10 from aplanar configuration into a temporary container 32 having an interior33. FIG. 2 illustrates the device 10 in the form of a temporarycontainer 32. The sheet 14 becomes a wall that defines the interior 33that is located within the container 32 and configured to hold the loosematerial 12. The container 32 has a prism shape corresponding to thegeometric shape of the sheet 14. In the depicted embodiment, the sheet14 is rectangular shaped. Consequently, the container 32 is cylindrical.Similarly, other shapes of the sheet 14 will result in prism containers32 having other shapes.

The temporary container 32 includes a front opening 36 defined by thefront edge 20 and a back opening 38 defined by the back edge 22.Preferably, the front opening 36 remains unobstructed. The front opening36 may be used to insert residual loose material 12.

The back opening 38 is at least partially obstructed by the obstructingmembers 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the user rolls the sheet 14to bring the sides 28, 30 together, which causes the sheet 14 tocircumscribe the obstructing members 24. As the sheet 14 circumscribesthe obstructing members 24, the obstructing members 24 move in relationto each other to close openings between neighboring obstructing members24. By closing these openings, the obstructing members 24 restrict, orat least partially obstruct, the back opening 38 to prevent escape ofthe loose material 12 from within the container 32. Alternatively,another set of obstructing members 24 may close the front opening 36 aswell.

As used herein, the terms “circumscribing” or “circumscribe” areintended to mean, “to substantially surround or form a boundary around.”These terms mean that the sheet 14 is reconfigured to surround theobstructing members 24 in two-dimensions and not necessarily inthree-dimensions. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize thatthe sheet 14 forms a perimeter around the obstructing members 24 and mayor may not completely enclose all portions of one or more obstructingmembers 24.

The obstructing members 24 at least substantially block the back opening38 so that a user may lift the container 32 by the handles 26 while theloose material 12 is kept inside the container 32. The user may lift andcarry the container 32 with the front edge 20 elevated above the backedge 22. The loose material 12 may shift towards the back opening 38,but the obstructing members 24 prevent the loose material 12 fromexiting. Preferably, the user carries the container 32 to anotherlocation such as a garbage container, storage bin, or the like. Finally,the user dumps the loose material 12 into a garbage container using thefront opening 36. The user may then unfasten the temporary fasteners 34,return the device 10 to a planar configuration, and place the device 10on the ground to repeat the process.

The degree to which the back opening 38 is obstructed depends on severalfactors relating to the shape, size, configuration, and other featuresof the sheet 14 and obstructing members 24. Preferably, each obstructingmember 24 is a solid piece of material sized and shaped to effectivelyclose the back opening 38 when the sheet 14 circumscribes theobstructing members 24.

The obstructing members 24 may partially or completely obstruct the backopening 38. In one embodiment, the obstructing members 24 are configuredto be juxtaposed as the sheet 14 is rolled. The obstructing members 24abut each other in this embodiment. In other embodiments, describedbelow, the obstructing members 24 engage each other to form a moreeffective obstruction of the back opening 38.

Preferably, the obstructing members 24 extend perpendicular to the topsurface 16. In the container 32 configuration, the obstructing members24 extend within a common plane to substantially obstruct the backopening 38. Alternatively, the obstructing members 24 may project intothe exterior or interior of the container 32, depending on the angle ofthe obstructing members 24 with respect to the top surface 16. Those ofskill in the art will recognize that the shape and size of theobstructing members 24 depend in part on the desired configuration ofthe obstructing members 24 when the sheet is rolled into a prismconfiguration as illustrated.

To provide a sturdy, lightweight device 10, the present invention may bemade of materials that are strong, lightweight, and durable. Thecomponents may be made from a variety of materials that allow thecomponents to perform their proper function. For example, the sheet 14is a pliable material that tends to return to the planar configurationwhen the sides 28, 30 are not temporarily fastened. The obstructingmembers 24 are semi-rigid to prevent the loose material 12 from bendingthe obstructing member 24 and escaping from within the rolled sheet 14.Examples of material that may be used include metal, wood, plastic, andother natural or man-made materials.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a plan view of the device in a containerconfiguration is illustrated. In this embodiment, the height of theobstructing members 24 (including the dashed line portions) correspondsto the radius of the back opening 38 (See FIG. 1). In addition, thenumber and width of obstructing members 24 evenly divides thecircumference of the back opening 38. Of course, the obstructing members24 may be of unequal widths and/or heights.

As illustrated, when the sheet 14 is rolled to form the container 32,each obstructing member 24 blocks or obstructs a sector of the backopening 38. Each obstructing member 24 is juxtaposed against aneighboring obstructing member 24. Together, the obstructing members 24cooperate to substantially block the back opening 38.

FIG. 3 also illustrates an alternative embodiment for the obstructingmembers 24. The tops of the obstructing members 24 may be removed toform blunted triangular shapes (forming a perimeter around the dashedlines). The obstructing members 24 may be blunted for aesthetic and/orsafety reasons. For example, with pointed obstructing members 24, thedevice 10 may present a potential hazard when in the planarconfiguration.

FIG. 3 illustrates that with blunted triangular obstructing members 24,when the sheet 14 is configured as a temporary container 32, the backopening 38 is not completely blocked. The blunted triangular obstructingmembers 24 leave a polygon-shaped opening 40. Depending on the intendeduse for the device 10, the polygon opening 40 may continue to preventescape of the loose material 12. For example, if the loose material 12comprises leaves, the polygon opening 40 may be small enough to preventpassage of leaves from within the container 32.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of an alternative embodiment of apair of neighboring triangular-shaped obstructing members 24. One sideof each triangular-shaped obstructing member 24 is connected to the backedge 22. One unconnected side includes a tongue 42, and the otherunconnected side includes a groove 44. The tongue 42 of one obstructingmember 24 is configured to engage a groove 44 of a neighboringobstructing member 24.

In certain embodiments, the tongue 42 may comprise an unaltered edge ofthe obstructing member 24. Alternatively, the edge may be beveled orotherwise configured to provide a tongue 42. The groove 44 is preferablya channel formed along the length of one side of the obstructing member24. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize that variousalternative tongue and groove assemblies may be used with theobstructing members 24 of the present invention. When the sheet 14 isrolled into the container configuration, as described above, the tongue42 of one obstructing member 24 moves toward the groove 44 of aneighboring obstructing member 24, and vice versa. The tongue 42 thenengages the groove 44 to form an effective interface between the twoobstructing members 24.

FIG. 4 also illustrates the obstructing members 24 as solid pieces ofmaterial. Alternatively, the obstructing members 24 may include holes orperforations (not shown). If holes or perforations are included, theseare preferably sized to be smaller than the primary loose material 12the device 10 is designed to gather and collect.

FIG. 5A illustrates yet another embodiment of the obstructing members24. In this embodiment, the obstructing members 24 are arranged on thesheet 14 such that a portion of one obstructing member 24 overlaps aneighboring obstructing member 24 when viewed from the back edge 22.Preferably, the obstructing members 24 overlap each other laterally onone side by about 50%. Those of skill in the art will recognize,however, that a variety of overlapping configurations are possiblewithin the scope of the present invention. For example, both bottomcorners of alternating obstructing members 24 may overlap (not shown),

FIG. 5B illustrates obstructing members 24 according to the embodimentof FIG. 5A in a plan view when the sheet 14 is rolled into the temporarycontainer 32 configuration. FIG. 5B illustrates that rolling the sheet14 causes the overlapping obstructing members 24 to become juxtaposedand intermeshed. In alternative embodiments, the overlapping pattern maybe varied to provide a uniform intermeshing of the obstructing members24 when the sheet 14 is rolled.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the device 10 in whichthe obstructing members 24 are removably connected to the sheet 14 by afastener assembly. The fastener assembly may comprise correspondingcomponents that temporarily engage each other. Examples of fastenerassemblies include hook and loop assemblies, button assemblies, snapassemblies, tape, temporary glue, and the like. Additionally, those ofskill in the art recognize a number of different fastener assembliesthat may be used to temporarily secure obstructing members 24 to thesheet 14.

In FIG. 6, the temporary fastener assembly comprises one or more tabs 46a and one or more corresponding slots 46 b. The tabs 46 a are configuredto readily pass within the slots 46 b. The tabs 46 a include a barb 48.The barb 48 slides through a slot 46 b and prevents unintentionalremoval of the tab 46 a.

The sheet 14 may include a plurality of slots 46 b disposed near theback edge 22. A user may attach a variety of different sized or shapedobstructing members 24 to the sheet 14 using the slots 46 b. Inaddition, the configuration of the attached obstructing members 24 maybe changed as needed.

FIG. 6 illustrates a few examples of alternative embodiments for theremovably connected obstructing members 24. Of course, the obstructingmembers 24 of these examples may also be permanently connected to thesheet 14 in other embodiments. A triangular obstructing member 24 a isdiscussed above. A square obstructing member 24 b may be used.Alternatively, a single circular obstructing member 24 c may beremovably connected to the sheet 14.

Preferably, the removably connected obstructing members 24 a-c areconnected prior to a user rolling the sheet 14 to form a temporarycontainer 32. Alternatively, the removably connected obstructing members24 a-c may be connected at any stage. Removably connected obstructingmembers 24 a-c allow for flexibility in the configuration of theobstructing members 24, as well as simple replacement and repair forobstructing members 24 of the device 10 as needed.

As mentioned above, one or more obstructing members 24 may be used indifferent embodiments. Preferably, if a single obstructing member 24 isused, the obstructing member 24 is sized and shaped to substantiallyobstruct the back opening 38 defined by the back edge 22. Similarly, ifa plurality of obstructing members 24 are used, the obstructing members24 are configured to operably obstruct the back opening 38. Those ofskill in the art will recognize from this description of the presentinvention that a variety of alternative configurations and embodimentsexist beyond the examples described here. These other embodiments arealso considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate examples of alternative embodiments of thepresent invention. These alternative embodiments include a singleobstructing member 24. Handles 26 and other features are omitted forclarity.

Referring to FIG. 7A, the sheet 14 is rectangular shaped so the backopening 38 (See FIG. 2) is a circle when the sheet is rolled.Accordingly, a circular obstructing member 24 is connected to the backedge 22. The obstructing member 24 is offset to one side 28, 30 alongthe back edge 22. Alternatively, the obstructing member 24 may bepositioned at any point along the back edge 22.

In addition, the sheet 14 includes a groove 50 that is aligned with theobstructing member 24. The groove 50 serves to engage the free edge ofthe obstructing member 24 when the sheet 14 is rolled such that thesheet substantially circumscribes the obstructing member 24 to form atemporary container 32. The groove 50 supports the obstructing member 24in blocking passage of loose material 12. FIG. 7B illustrates anembodiment in which the sheet 14 has six non-uniform length sides. Ofcourse, while straight sides are described herein, the sides of thesheet 14 may also be curved in other embodiments. The sheet 14 includestwo opposing sides 28, 30 and two sides 52, 54 that are adjacent to theside 22 comprising the obstructing member 24. Preferably, theobstructing member 24 is on a side 22 of the sheet 14 perpendicular tothe sides 28, 30 that come together to form a temporary container 32.

In FIG. 7B, the obstructing member 24 is sized and shaped to abut side52 and side 54 when side 28 is rolled to meet side 30, as indicated bythe arrows. In this embodiment, the obstructing member 24 is a half-ovalshape. In certain embodiments, side 52 and side 54 may include a lip 56.The free edge of the obstructing member 24 may rest upon the lip 56 orabut the lip 56 when the sheet 14 is configured as a temporary container32. The lip 56 thus may be employed to support the obstructing member 24and/or to more fully seal the opening 22.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, an alternative obstructing member 24 isillustrated. The obstructing member 24 comprises a wall of square orrectangular segments 58. A bottom edge 60 interconnects each segment 58and connects the segments 58 to the sheet 14. A thin space 62 betweeneach segment 58 allows one segment to slide past a neighboring segment58 when the sides 28, 30 are rolled such that the sheet 14 substantiallycircumscribes the obstructing member 24. To further facilitate slidingthe segments 58 past each other, each segment 58 may include an angledcorner 64.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 8, various alternative handles 26 and temporary fasteners 34 areillustrated for exemplary purposes. As described above in relation toFIGS. 1-2, the device 10 includes a sheet 14 with one or moreobstructing members 24 disposed along a back edge 22. In certainembodiments, one or more anchor members 66 extend down from the bottomsurface 18. The anchor members 66 are positioned near the front edge 20.

The anchor members 66 serve to hold the sheet 14 in a stationaryposition as loose material 12 is gathered on the top surface 16. Theanchor members 66 may also be removably connected to the sheet 14. InFIG. 8, the anchor members 66 are of a similar shape, configuration, andarrangement as the obstructing members 24, but extend from the oppositesurface. Those of skill in the art recognize that the anchor members 66may comprise one or more projections from the bottom surface 18 thatprovide the same anchoring function. All such embodiments are consideredwithin the scope of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the device 10 includes an array of holes 68disposed in the sheet 14. Preferably, the holes 68 are sized to besmaller than the loose material 12. The holes 68 serve to allow air toescape from within the sheet 14 when the sheet 14 is rolled such thatthe sheet 14 substantially circumscribes the obstructing members 24. Incertain embodiments, a user may need to compress the rolled sheet toengage temporary fasteners 34. The holes 68 facilitate compressing theloose material 12.

It is contemplated that a variety of temporary fasteners 34 may be usedto temporarily fasten side edge 28 to side edge 30. For example, thetemporary fasteners 34 may comprise one member 34 a that slides withinthe other member 34 b and snaps in similar manner to a life-preserverbuckle. In another embodiment, Velcro® straps or other kinds of ties maybe used. Alternatively, each side edge 28, 30 may include “J” or “S”hooks connected to the side edge 28, 30. The “J” or “S” hooks may beinterlocked to fasten the side edges 28, 30. Of course, those of skillin the art will readily recognize that a variety of other temporaryfasteners 34 may be used to allow a user to fasten and unfasten thesides 28, 30, preferably without tools. These variations on temporaryfasteners 34 are also considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates various embodiments for the handles 26.FIG. 1 illustrates handles 26 formed from the sheet and extending from aside in the same plane as the sheet 14. Alternatively, the handles 26may be connected to the sheet 14 or formed within the perimeter of thesheet 14.

For example, a handle 26 a may comprise a piece of rope passed throughtwo holes in the sheet 14. Alternatively, the handle 26 b may comprise ahole 26 b disposed in the sheet 14 near a side edge 28, 30. The hole 26b is sized to readily receive a user's hand. The user grips the sheetmaterial as a handle.

Referring still to FIG. 8, in certain embodiments, the device 10includes a pair of ribs 70 connected to the sheet 14 in close proximityto the side edges 28, 30. The ribs 70 provide sufficient weight toretain the side edges 28, 30 against the ground when the device is usedin a flat configuration for collecting debris. As the side edges 28, 30are rolled repeatedly together, the planar sheet 14 may begin to bow upnear the sides 28, 30. Accordingly, the weight of the ribs 70 counteractthis tendency such that the sheet 14 lies substantially flat whenunrolled.

In the depicted embodiment, the ribs 70 are removable and are connectedto the sheet by threading the ribs 70 through corresponding loops 72formed in the sheet 14. Preferably, the ribs 70 are rectangular metalrods that thread alternately through the loops 72. Alternatively, theribs 70 may be round rods. In yet another embodiment, the ribs 70 maycomprise an integral part of the sheet 14. For example, the ribs 70 maycomprise tubular members (not shown) that extend along the length of theside edges 28, 30. The tubular members may contain a metal or woodenrod. Alternatively, the tubular members are filled with a high massmaterial such as lead, sand, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 collectively, the present invention alsoprovides a method of collecting loose material 12. First, the device 10is positioned over a desired location. The device 10 is in a planarconfiguration and placed with the top surface 16 facing up. Next, theuser gathers loose material 12 onto the top surface 16. Once sufficientloose material 12 is gathered, the user rolls the sheet 14 such that oneside edge 28 is brought in close proximity to the other side edge 30.The sheet 14 substantially circumscribes the obstructing members 24. Theobstructing members 24 cooperate to obstruct an opening 38 formed byrolling the sheet 14. Now, the sheet 14 is in the form of a temporarycontainer 32.

In one embodiment, the user may temporarily fasten one side edge 28 tothe other side edge 30 by way of temporary fasteners 34. Furthermore,the user may lift the rolled sheet 14 with the front edge 20 elevatedsuch that the loose material 12 moves towards the obstructed back edge22. As desired, the user may transport the loose material 12 by carryingthe container 32. Finally, the user may empty the loose material 12 fromthe rolled sheet 14 by orienting the front opening 36 downward. Forexample, the user may empty the loose material 12 into a garbagecontainer.

Based on the foregoing, the present invention offers a number ofadvantages not available in conventional approaches. The presentinvention lies substantially flat for collection of loose material ontothe device. In addition, the present invention transforms into atemporary container that retains the loose material inside. The devicemay be temporarily fastened in the temporary container configuration.Obstructing members operably obstruct or block one end of the temporarycontainer such that the loose material may be transported to a desiredlocation without escaping. Furthermore, the present invention allows asole user to easily perform the task of gathering, hauling, and dumpingthe loose material. The present invention may be used without tools andstored in a relatively flat, thin space. Finally, the present inventionis lightweight, sturdy, durable, simple, and inexpensive to fabricate.

While specific embodiments and applications of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to the precise configuration and componentsdisclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variationsapparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement,operation, and details of the methods and systems of the presentinvention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A device for collecting loose material, the device comprising: apliable, substantially planar sheet oriented in a first position inwhich the planar sheet lies substantially flat, the sheet having a pairof side edges; a rib connected to the sheet in close proximity to eachside edge, the ribs configured to temporarily retain the sheet in thefirst position; at least one obstructing member extending out at anangle from a plane defined by a surface of the sheet; and wherein theplanar sheet is configured to be easily transitioned between the firstposition and a second position in which the planar sheet forms acontainer with the planar sheet substantially circumscribing theobstructing member to at least partially obstruct one end of thecontainer.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the obstructing member isshaped to correspond to the shape of the one end of the container. 3.The device of claim 1, further comprising a groove in the planar sheet,the groove configured to engage the obstructing member when the sheet istransitioned to the second position.
 4. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of obstructing members configured to cooperate tosubstantially obstruct the one end when the planar sheet is transitionedto the second position.
 5. The device of claim 4, further comprising atleast one handle connected to the planar sheet.
 6. The device of claim4, wherein the obstructing members extend substantially vertically fromthe surface of the planar sheet.
 7. The device of claim 4, wherein theobstructing members are removably connected to the planar sheet.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the planar sheet comprises a plurality of airholes that allow air to escape when the planar sheet is transitioned tothe second position.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the obstructingmember comprises a tab.
 10. A device for collecting loose material, thedevice comprising: a pliable planar sheet having a top surface, a backedge, and a pair of side edges; a rib connected to the sheet in closeproximity to each side edge, the ribs configured to retain the sheet ina substantially flat position when the sheet lies on the ground; aplurality of obstructing members extending at an angle from a planedefined by the top surface of the sheet; and wherein the obstructingmembers are configured to restrict an opening formed on one end of acontainer when the sheet is rolled around the obstructing members suchthat the sheet substantially circumscribes the obstructing members. 11.The device of claim 10, wherein the obstructing members are positionednear the back edge.
 12. The device of claim 10, wherein the obstructingmembers extend substantially perpendicular to the top surface.
 13. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the obstructing members are removablyconnected to the sheet.
 14. The device of claim 10, wherein theobstructing members are configured such that when the sheet is rolledsuch that the sheet substantially circumscribes the obstructing members,the back edge defines the opening and the obstructing members arejuxtaposed to substantially block the opening.
 15. The device of claim14, wherein the juxtaposed obstructing members intermesh.
 16. The deviceof claim 10, wherein each obstructing member comprises a tongue and agroove.
 17. The device of claim 10, further comprising a handle disposedwithin the sheet.
 18. The device of claim 10, further comprising afastener configured to temporarily fasten one side edge in closeproximity to the other side edge.
 19. The device of claim 10, whereinthe sheet comprises a front edge and a bottom surface, the devicefurther comprising a plurality of anchor members positioned near thefront edge and extending from the bottom surface of the sheet.
 20. Thedevice of claim 10, wherein the obstructing members are substantiallytriangular shaped.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein one side of atriangular obstructing member is connectable to the surface of thesheet, one side of the triangular obstructing member comprises a tongue,and the other side of the triangular obstructing member comprises agroove configured to engage a corresponding tongue of an adjacentbiangular obstructing member when the sheet is rolled such that thesheet substantially circumscribes the obstructing member.
 22. A methodfor collecting loose material, the method comprising positioning apliable planar sheet over a desired location, the planar sheet having afront edge, a back edge, a pair of opposing side edges, and a pluralityof obstructing members aligned near the back edge, with the obstructingmembers extending from a surface of the sheet; gathering loose materialonto the top surface of the sheet; and rolling the sheet to bring oneside edge in close proximity to the other side edge such that the loosematerial is retained within the sheet and a front opening and a backopening are formed, the obstructing members being configured to move inclose proximity to each other as the sheet is rolled to substantiallyclose the back opening defined by the back edge.
 23. The method of claim22, further comprising lifting the rolled sheet such that loose materialmoves towards the closed back opening.
 24. The method of claim 23,further comprising emptying the loose material from the rolled sheet byorienting the front opening downward.
 25. The method of claim 22,further comprising temporarily fastening one side edge to the other sideedge.